How do I get a marriage license in Michigan?

Michigan offers one of the lowest license fees in the nation and a brief 3-day delay.

1. Where to Apply

The county clerk in the Michigan county where either party resides (MCL 551.101).

Non-residents apply in the county where the wedding will occur.

Both parties must appear together.

2. ID and Documents

Government-issued photo ID, certified birth certificate, and Social Security number.

Previously married: certified divorce decree or death certificate of prior spouse.

3. Fees

$20 Michigan residents.

$30 non-residents.

4. Waiting Period and Expiration

3-day waiting period from application (MCL 551.103a), waivable by probate court order.

License valid for 33 days from issuance — one of the shorter windows nationally.

5. Age and Residency

18 minimum. 16-17 require written parental consent; under 16 require probate court approval (MCL 551.103).

Residency rule above governs which county.

6. Blood Test and Same-Sex Marriage

No blood test required (eliminated 1987).

Same-sex marriage legal since DeBoer v. Snyder (a Michigan case consolidated into Obergefell, 2015).

This is legal information, not legal advice.